Duvet vs. Comforter

A duvet is essentially a soft, thick blanket filled with materials like down, feathers, or synthetic fibers. What sets it apart is that it doesn't typically come with its own fabric cover; instead, it is placed inside a duvet cover. This cover can be easily removed and washed, which makes maintaining the duvet much simpler. You would wash only the duvet cover rather than the duvet itself. Duvets can also vary in thickness and warmth, and the look of your duvet can be easily changed by switching out the cover to match your bedroom decor.

On the other hand, a comforter is a thick, quilted blanket that is filled with materials like cotton, polyester, or down. Unlike a duvet, a comforter comes as a complete piece with its own fabric cover, and you don't need to buy a separate cover for it. Comforters are generally designed to be washed as a whole, and while some are machine washable, their size and bulkiness can make them a bit more challenging to clean compared to a duvet with a removable cover. Comforters tend to be more decorative, often available in various patterns and colors that are designed to match your bedroom theme, and they’re usually stitched through to keep the filling evenly distributed.

The key difference between the two lies in how they're maintained and their overall design. With a duvet, you only need to wash the removable cover, while with a comforter, you wash the entire blanket. In terms of appearance, duvets often look fluffier and more customizable because of their covers, while comforters are typically more finished and quilted, with patterns or designs already sewn in.

  • A Comforter is one piece of bedding that is quilted.
  • 2 separate pieces form a Duvet. The Duvet Cover plus the Down Comforter or Duvet Insert.

Pros and Cons of Duvet and Comforter.

Duvet

Pros:

  • Customizable: You can easily change the look by swapping duvet covers.
  • Easier to Clean: Only the duvet cover needs washing, not the whole duvet.
  • Fluffy & Adjustable: Duvets tend to be fluffier and can offer different levels of warmth depending on the fill.

Cons:

  • Extra Maintenance: Requires a duvet cover and occasional fluffing to keep the fill even.
  • Can Shift Inside the Cover: The duvet can move around inside the cover if not properly secured.
  • Needs Storage for Covers: You need space to store extra duvet covers.

Comforter

Pros:

  • All-in-One: No need for a separate cover—it's ready to use out of the box.
  • Less Maintenance: Easier to make the bed since there's no duvet cover to adjust.
  • Easier to Care for: Most comforters are machine washable without needing an additional cover.

Cons:

  • Harder to Clean: You have to wash the entire comforter, which can be bulky and challenging to fit in a washer.
  • Limited Customization: The design is fixed, and you can’t easily change the look.
  • Can Lose Shape: Over time, comforters may lose their fluff or get flattened due to washing or use.

Ultimately, which one should I choose?

When to Choose a Duvet:

  • If you want flexibility in changing your bedding style easily.
  • If you prefer easier washing (you can wash just the duvet cover).
  • If you like a fluffier, customizable feel with different warmth options.

When to Choose a Comforter:

  • If you prefer an all-in-one, low-maintenance bedding option.
  • If you don’t want to deal with changing or washing duvet covers.
  • If you want something that’s ready to use without extra setup

Frequent Asked Questions

How to put on a Duvet Cover?

Putting on a duvet cover can seem tricky, but here are 5 easy steps to make it simple:

1. Turn the duvet cover inside out
- Lay the duvet cover flat on the bed, inside out, with the opening at the foot of the bed. This way, when it's finished, the seams will be on the inside.

2. Align the duvet with the cover
- Lay your duvet flat on the bed, aligning it with the duvet cover. Make sure the corners of both match up. You can use the duvet’s corners to guide where they should go in the cover.

3. Grab the duvet corners
- Stick your arms inside the duvet cover and grab the top corners of the duvet (or the corner ties, if your duvet has them). Hold on to these corners firmly.

4. Flip the duvet cover over the duvet
- With the duvet corners in hand, flip the duvet cover over the duvet by pulling the cover over the duvet. It’s like turning a sock inside out. Make sure the duvet spreads evenly inside the cover.

5. Shake and adjust
- Once the duvet is in the cover, give everything a good shake to fluff it up and adjust the corners so they fit nicely. Fasten the cover’s closure (buttons, zipper, or ties) at the opening.

Now you’re ready to enjoy a freshly covered duvet!

How often should I wash my duvet cover?

Ideally, you should wash your duvet cover every 1–2 weeks, depending on your personal habits and how much you use your bedding. If you sweat heavily at night or have allergies, you might want to wash it more often. Washing it regularly helps keep it fresh, clean, and free of dust mites or allergens.

Can I put a duvet cover in the dryer?

Yes, you can usually dry a duvet cover in the dryer, but it’s best to follow the care label on the fabric. Use a low heat setting to prevent shrinking or damaging the fabric. If the duvet cover is made of delicate materials like linen or silk, air-drying or tumble drying on a low, delicate cycle is recommended.

How do I keep my duvet from shifting inside the duvet cover?

To prevent the duvet from shifting inside the cover, check if your duvet has corner ties (or loops),All of our Duvet comes with ties which you can tie to the duvet cover’s corresponding ties. Additionally, fluff the duvet regularly to keep it evenly spread out.

How often should I wash my comforter?

You don’t need to wash your comforter as often as your sheets, but ideally, it should be cleaned every 3–6 months. If it gets spills, stains, or excessive dirt, wash it sooner. Follow the care instructions, as some comforters can be bulky and may need a professional clean or extra-large washing machine.

Can I put my comforter in the dryer?

Yes, most comforters can be safely dried in the dryer. Use a low heat or air fluff setting to prevent damage or shrinkage. It's a good idea to add a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff the comforter as it dries and maintain its loft. Always check the care label for specific drying instructions.